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Synonyms

fewer

American  
[fyoo-er] / ˈfyu ər /

adjective

  1. of a smaller number.

    fewer words and more action.


pronoun

  1. (used with a plural verb) a smaller number.

    Fewer have come than we hoped.

Commonly Confused

See less.

Etymology

Origin of fewer

Middle English feue, feawe. fewe fewere, Old English fēawera, genitive plural of fēawa few; see -er 4 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The S&P 500’s latest string of records has come with a catch: Fewer stocks are participating in the rally.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Fewer than 15% of voters are Republican, compared with 55% Democrats, according to party registration figures from April.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Fewer travelers have been visiting the Las Vegas Strip, weighing on both hotel and gaming revenue, plus casino operators face growing pressure from online sportsbooks and prediction markets.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Fewer than 15% of Los Angeles city voters are registered Republicans, and the electorate last chose a GOP mayor in 1997.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Fewer people stood around talking in groups under the lights in the squares.

From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau

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